Vonda Shepard was born in New York but her family relocated to California when she was fairly young. She played piano from an early age. Her father is Richmond Shepard, a mime and improv actor. Vonda has three sisters: Rosetta, Luana, and Brianna. Her mother left the family when Vonda was ten, and her father raised the four girls by himself.
After performing as a backing singer for many years she was eventually given her own recording contract. Shepard's first chart appearance was in 1987 when she recorded a duet with Dan Hill entitled 'Can't We Try'. She released her first self-titled album in 1989 with little fanfare. The album did yield one chart single, Don't Cry Ilene, a mid-tempo, piano-driven jazz-RnB flavored song dealing with the break-up of a relationship between a black woman and a white man, arising from adult peer pressure. The track is sung from the perspective of the woman's white female friend, who harbors a desire to have the man for herself, but keeps her distance out of respect for her friend. The song peaked at 17 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary chart and stayed on the charts for 12 weeks.
After her third album, Shepard was signed up to appear on Ally McBeal after being spotted by the show's creator David E Kelley. While on the show she recorded two full soundtrack albums and was featured on two other Ally McBeal compilations. The songs Shepard recorded for Ally McBeal soundtrack albums were mainly covers of old songs with lyrics that paralleled what was happening in the title character's life onscreen. Since appearing in the show, Shepard has released two more studio albums and a live album.
Shepard is married to music producer Mitchell Froom and they had their first child, Jack Froom, on 15 April 2006.
Silver Bells
Vonda Shepard Lyrics
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Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids rush
This is Santa's big day
And above all this bustle you hear
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing, people passing
Meeting smile after smile
Very soon it will be Christmas day
The lyrics to Vonda Shepard's "Silver Bells" depict the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the holiday season in the city. The busy sidewalks are dressed in holiday style, and the air is thick with a palpable feeling of Christmas. Amidst the crowds and the snow crunching underfoot, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding Santa's big day. However, above all of the bustling activity, the silver bells ring out loud and clear, serving as a beacon of holiday joy and cheer.
The second verse of the song continues to describe the scene, with children laughing and people passing by with smiles on their faces. The constant stream of friendly faces and holiday spirit is infectious, and everyone is caught up in the anticipation of Christmas Day. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song serves to reinforce the idea that the silver bells serve as a symbol of the city's holiday spirit and the joy of the season.
Overall, the lyrics to "Silver Bells" capture the magic of the holiday season and the festive atmosphere of the city during this special time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
The city's sidewalks are bustling with people walking to and fro.
Dressed in holiday style
People have decorated the streets in festive decorations to honor the holiday season.
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
The atmosphere is filled with the excitement and joy of the holiday season.
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids rush
We can hear the sound of snow crunching as kids run around in excitement, enjoying the snow.
This is Santa's big day
It is Christmas, the day when Santa Claus delivers presents to children all around the world.
And above all this bustle you hear
Despite all the noise and activity, one can still hear the sound of something special: silver bells.
Silver bells, silver bells
The sound of silver bells, usually associated with Christmas, can be heard.
It's Christmas time in the city
People are celebrating the holiday season in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The silver bells make the sound 'ring-a-ling'.
Soon it will be Christmas day
The holiday season will continue, leading up to Christmas day.
Children laughing, people passing
The soundtrack of the city is full of the sounds of children laughing and other people passing by.
Meeting smile after smile
People are happy and joyful as they connect with each other during this holiday season.
Very soon it will be Christmas day
The holiday season will continue, with Christmas day approaching quickly.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind